New York's new Governor, David Paterson, is riding out the twin storms of extramarital affairs
and a late budget as voters statewide approve 50 - 10 percent, with 39 percent undecided, of the
job he is doing after one month in office, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released
today. Voters approve 52 - 18 percent, with 29 percent undecided, of the way Gov. Paterson
handled the state budget enacted last week.

Because of former Gov. Eliot Spitzer's involvement with prostitutes, New York State
voters say 59 - 38 percent that they were "ashamed to have him as Governor," the independent
Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll finds.

But voters say 69 - 22 percent that Paterson was right to admit to extramarital affairs and
cocaine use. Media should stop pressing Paterson for more details, voters say 84 - 14 percent.

And voters say 76 - 20 percent that they are not ashamed to have Paterson as Governor
because he admitted having affairs.

Paterson will be able to govern effectively, voters say 62 - 15 percent, down from 75 - 6
percent in a March 20 Quinnipiac University poll. By 55 - 27 percent, voters say Paterson will
be able to restore public trust in state government, down from 67 - 15 percent March 20.

"Gov. David Paterson is surviving the double trouble of a late state budget and the fuss
over his confession of extramarital affairs," said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac
University Polling Institute.

"New Yorkers think Paterson did a good job on the budget. And although his numbers
slipped after the initial euphoria, they trust him to govern effectively and to restore public trust."

"Yes, he should have told us about the affairs, voters say. And no, the reporters now
should knock off the personal questions," Carroll added.

"Are New Yorkers 'ashamed' of Paterson? Of course not. Ask that question about
Spitzer and you get a different answer."

Looking at whom they want as their next Governor in 2010:

32 percent pick New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg;

30 percent want former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani;

17 percent support Paterson;

13 percent name State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

Only 41 percent of New York voters are "very satisfied" or "somewhat satisfied with the
way things are going in the state, while 57 percent are "somewhat dissatisfied" or "very
dissatisfied."

Voters disapprove 53 - 39 percent of the law preventing local school districts from
considering student test scores in deciding teacher tenure;

Voters are pleased, 53 - 32 percent, that the State Legislature did not act on the New
York City congestion pricing proposal;

Voters are disappointed, 69 - 24 percent, that the Legislature did not enact a
"millionaire's tax," raising the tax rate on people making one million dollars a year.

"Mayor Bloomberg wanted kids' test scores to be included in evaluating teachers for
tenure. The teachers' union didn't want it. Guess who won in the Legislature? But voters side
with the Mayor," Carroll said. "Mayor Mike also wanted congestion pricing. It lost and that's
okay, too, with the voters.

"But, if Bloomberg would like to move to Albany, a lot of New Yorkers would like to
see him in the Governor's Mansion. He leads overall in a 2010 beauty contest, but Republicans
prefer former Mayor Giuliani."

From April 14 - 15, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,257 New York State voters with a
margin of error of +/- 2.8 percentage points.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public
opinion surveys in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio and the
nation as a public service and for research.

6. Do you approve or disapprove of the way David Paterson is handling his job
as Governor?

32. Now I'm going to name four people who might run for Governor in 2010. After
I read all four names, please tell me which one you would most like to see
elected Governor in 2010. Here are the choices: Governor David Paterson, State
Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, or former
New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani?

TREND: Now I'm going to name four people who might run for Governor in 2010.
After I read all four names, please tell me which one you would most like to see
elected Governor in 2010. Here are the choices: Governor David Paterson, State
Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, or former
New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani?

31. The state Legislature passed one dollar and twenty five cents a pack tax
increase on cigarettes. Do you approve or disapprove of raising the tax on a
pack of cigarettes by one dollar and twenty five cents?

32. The State Legislature passed a law blocking local school districts from
considering student test scores when they decide whether teachers should receive
tenure, which amounts to a lifetime job guarantee. Do you approve or disapprove
of this action by the state legislature?

33. As you may know, there was a proposal to use congestion pricing to reduce
traffic in New York City by charging a fee for vehicles that drive south of
60th Street in Manhattan. The New York State legislature did not pass this plan.
Are you pleased or disappointed that the New York State legislature did not
pass this congestion pricing plan?

34. There was also a proposal to raise taxes on residents earning 1 million
dollars or more a year. The New York State legislature did not pass this plan.
Are you pleased or disappointed that the New York State legislature did not pass
this plan to raise taxes on residents earning 1 million dollars or more a year?